Trevon Bunch and Marlon Jones

[muballbuster]

Both of these players are currently still around for the class of 2014. 

Trevon Bunch 6'10 PF/C from Racine. 3 star
Can finish above the rim and blocks a lot of shots.
Looks like his top two were Marquette and Iowa state

Marlon Jones 6'9 PF/C from Chicago Orr 3 star
Runs the court really well.  Will block a shot or get a rebound and will outlet to lead a fast break where he gets the ball back for a dunk.
Looks like we were on him for a while but St. Johns, Baylor, Mizzou are currently all after him.
Top 10 in 2014 illinois class

I am curious to see if anyone has seen either play and what they think.

[tower912]

I think Kenosha Warrior was advocating for Bunch a few months back.   It was pooh-poohed then. 

[TedBaxter]

The last thing you want to do is reach to fill a roster. 

[Tugg Speedman]

The last thing you want to do is reach to fill a roster. 

So 2-star Satchel Pierce was a diamond in the rough and these 3-star guys are just bodies taking up space.

Why?

[Stretchdeltsig]

If they're good, they're good.  Let Wojo decide.  Love their height.

[TedBaxter]

What we don't know is what Wojo thought of the recruits.  He recruited Cohen back and is working Shayok hard.  Did he consider Hill and Pierce lost causes or maybe he thought he could do better than one or both.

I've seen Bunch play in summer ball and I've seen video of Jones.  I'll let the coaching staff decide what they think.

Some things you have to consider besides talent.  Do they have the academics to get into school?  Do they have the right attitudes to be able to play for the new coaching staff.  Are they team oriented who are going to fit in personality wise?

Bunch may be in the 2015 class and has moved around quite a bit the last few years.

http://phenomhoopreport.com/phenom-hoops-covers-mt-zion-varsity-vs-kennedy-charter/

I'm not so sure Wojo doesn't have one or two in mind right now.  We'll see.

[MU82]

What we don't know is what Wojo thought of the recruits.  He recruited Cohen back and is working Shayok hard.  Did he consider Hill and Pierce lost causes or maybe he thought he could do better than one or both.

I've seen Bunch play in summer ball and I've seen video of Jones.  I'll let the coaching staff decide what they think.

Some things you have to consider besides talent.  Do they have the academics to get into school?  Do they have the right attitudes to be able to play for the new coaching staff.  Are they team oriented who are going to fit in personality wise?

Bunch may be in the 2015 class and has moved around quite a bit the last few years.

http://phenomhoopreport.com/phenom-hoops-covers-mt-zion-varsity-vs-kennedy-charter/

I'm not so sure Wojo doesn't have one or two in mind right now.  We'll see.

The OP asked for opinions of those who saw either of these guys play. Are you afraid that by giving your opinion here you will somehow influence Wojo's thinking?

If you have an opinion, please share.

[TedBaxter]

Jones has potential to play at a high major level.  Bunch wasn't good enough when I saw him.

This is all I know of Jones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn3SXdWgb40

[MU82]

Jones has potential to play at a high major level.  Bunch wasn't good enough when I saw him.

This is all I know of Jones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn3SXdWgb40

Thanks!

[Earl Tatum]

Got some interesting 2014 prospects not signed--- But still want QUALITY

3   Namon Wright 6-5 SG  California
2    Andre Adams 6-8 200 PF Arizona
1    Josh Cunningham 6-7 195 Wing Illinois
4    Marlon Jones 6-8  210  PF Illinois

Think Shayok would be a big help.

Open for opinions

[77ncaachamps]

CTC got a tip from AZ and got a commitment from 7'0" Jeremiah April on Friday: http://www.idsnews.com/blogs/hoosierhype/?p=23337

Supposedly, MU was interested.

[Rockmic87]

Cunningham is deciding next week. I think its a lil bit late to try to get him.  I think he's going to IU.

[Dawson Rental]

I'm pretty sure that Trevon Bunch was not going to qualify if he finished at Horick which was the impetus behind his transfer to St. Louis Christian Academy.  I don't know if it was academics or just a better basketball program that got him to transfer again at the semester break to Mount Zion Christian Academy.   I'm not feeling good about Travon meeting the likely to graduate when his eligibility is through criteria for Marquette.  There was talk about Travon reclassifying to 2015 at the time of his transfer to St. Louis Christian Academy.

Don't know squat about Marlon Jones.  Whenever a player is still hanging around at this point in the year without a well documented recruiting battle going on, something is invariably amiss.  Often times the next thing you hear about them is as a JUCO prospect.

[TedBaxter]

Got some interesting 2014 prospects not signed--- But still want QUALITY

3   Namon Wright 6-5 SG  California
2    Andre Adams 6-8 200 PF Arizona
1    Josh Cunningham 6-7 195 Wing Illinois
4    Marlon Jones 6-8  210  PF Illinois

Think Shayok would be a big help.

Open for opinions

Wright signed with Missouri and new Marquette assistant Mark Phelps was the lead recruiter.  Based on video, he is very good.

The one guy out there who I think would be a good recruit is 6-10 Idrissa Diallo of Los Angeles Cathedral High School.  Diallo was recently give his release by California after the coaching change.

[Jet915]

Marlon Jones right now is considering St. John's, Tulane and Loyola Chicago.  Supposedly raw but can rebound.

[GGGG]

I don't think SJU is interested in Jones any longer.  He was supposed to go on a visit last week but it was cancelled.

[wadesworld]

I don't think SJU is interested in Jones any longer.  He was supposed to go on a visit last week but it was cancelled.

The Savior has Risen today.

[tompopsicle]

Whatever happened to Legend Robertin? Last I saw, MU was the only one to offer him.

[Earl Tatum]

A couple of U. of Houston transfers--Danuel House 6-7 , TaShawn Thomas 6-8. Fighting to be eligible
2014-2015.

[GGGG]

Whatever happened to Legend Robertin? Last I saw, MU was the only one to offer him.

I think his prep school is extremely questionable.

[77ncaachamps]

I don't think SJU is interested in Jones any longer.  He was supposed to go on a visit last week but it was cancelled.

Makes sense. Obekpa is back.

[KenoshaWarrior]

I'm pretty sure that Trevon Bunch was not going to qualify if he finished at Horick which was the impetus behind his transfer to St. Louis Christian Academy.  I don't know if it was academics or just a better basketball program that got him to transfer again at the semester break to Mount Zion Christian Academy.   I'm not feeling good about Travon meeting the likely to graduate when his eligibility is through criteria for Marquette.  There was talk about Travon reclassifying to 2015 at the time of his transfer to St. Louis Christian Academy.

Don't know squat about Marlon Jones.  Whenever a player is still hanging around at this point in the year without a well documented recruiting battle going on, something is invariably amiss.  Often times the next thing you hear about them is as a JUCO prospect.

That is pretty much correct and pretty much what the Horlick Coach was telling met at Summer School last year. 
Bunch has a large ceiling but also could be a complete bust.    At best he can be like what  Obekpa is for St. Johns, at worst he is a D2 Bench Warmer.   

[We R Final Four]

Sultan--you are going to be very busy responding to the lack of quality posts on here. You have your work cut out for you.

[DanceHallPlayer]

Whatever happened to Legend Robertin? Last I saw, MU was the only one to offer him.

I believe he has enrolled at Chipola Junior College, planning to play there one year and transfer to D1.

[DanceHallPlayer]

Wright signed with Missouri and new Marquette assistant Mark Phelps was the lead recruiter.  Based on video, he is very good.

The one guy out there who I think would be a good recruit is 6-10 Idrissa Diallo of Los Angeles Cathedral High School.  Diallo was recently give his release by California after the coaching change.

I brought up Diallo in another thread. The guy is apparently pretty raw, but has a major league body on him and is a good student. Read he had a 3.8 GPA.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Marlon Jones is a very intriguing prospect. Saw him play in the state tourney, Orr had a good team this year. Reminds me of Jameel McKay but he is much stronger than Mckay. I think he could be a diamond in the rough.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Whatever happened to Legend Robertin? Last I saw, MU was the only one to offer him.

Legend enrolled at Chipola College. A top JUCO for basketball. His academics were...questionable. Not even TAMU felt comfortable offering. If he works hard, he may be able to get the grades up and transfer in in a year or two.

[willie warrior]

Sultan--you are going to be very busy responding to the lack of quality posts on here. You have your work cut out for you.

Yeah--we want to hear your F. Lee Bailey defense of Buzz. Hint: Consult with Eagle.

[GGGG]

Yeah--we want to hear your F. Lee Bailey defense of Buzz. Hint: Consult with Eagle.

My defense of Buzz how?

How he coached the team?  I thought it was fine.

How he left?  I don't care.  I think it was apparently that the MU administration and Buzz grew tired of one another and the divorce was pretty much inevitable.

How he didn't hire Chew at VT until Hill and Pierce were in the bag?  Unseemly but part of college athletics.

I will think about Buzz as much as I think about Crean - not very often.

[ChicosBailBonds]

I think his prep school is extremely questionable.

Sounds like some of the fine institutions we got some of our kids from in the past.....

[Wojo'sMojo]

My defense of Buzz how?

How he coached the team?  I thought it was fine.

How he left?  I don't care.  I think it was apparently that the MU administration and Buzz grew tired of one another and the divorce was pretty much inevitable.

How he didn't hire Chew at VT until Hill and Pierce were in the bag?  Unseemly but part of college athletics.

I will think about Buzz as much as I think about Crean - not very often.

Was hoping your hiatus would have been a time for you to reflect what a poor job Buzz did with the team this year. Even Buzz's biggest supporters on this board admit he did an awful job last year. Still not ready to concede that fact I guess.

[GGGG]

Sounds like some of the fine institutions we got some of our kids from in the past.....

I would like you to name one place where we signed a player from that had a similar rep at Believe Prep Academy.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Was hoping your hiatus would have been a time for you to reflect what a poor job Buzz did with the team this year. Even Buzz's biggest supporters on this board admit he did an awful job last year. Still not ready to concede that fact opinion I guess.

FIFY 

[GGGG]

Was hoping your hiatus would have been a time for you to reflect what a poor job Buzz did with the team this year. Even Buzz's biggest supporters on this board admit he did an awful job last year. Still not ready to concede that fact I guess.

It's not a fact.  That might be your opinion...and the opinion of 99% of the people here...but it's not one shared by me.

[MUfan12]

I would like you to name one place where we signed a player from that had a similar rep at Believe Prep Academy.

Only one I can think of that had some problems is ND Prep.

[MU82]

It's not a fact.  That might be your opinion...and the opinion of 99% of the people here...but it's not one shared by me.

You are correct that it is not a fact. It is an opinion. But it is a reasonable opinion that is much easier to support than the opposite opinion: Buzz did a fine job last season but was done in by (fill in the blank).

[GGGG]

You are correct that it is not a fact. It is an opinion. But it is a reasonable opinion that is much easier to support than the opposite opinion: Buzz did a fine job last season but was done in by (fill in the blank).

I don't think Buzz was "done in" by anybody except a poorly constructed roster.  So yeah I think that's Buzz's fault, but I think he played it the best way he could to maximize performance.

[willie warrior]

My defense of Buzz how?

How he coached the team?  I thought it was fine.

How he left?  I don't care.  I think it was apparently that the MU administration and Buzz grew tired of one another and the divorce was pretty much inevitable.

How he didn't hire Chew at VT until Hill and Pierce were in the bag?  Unseemly but part of college athletics.

I will think about Buzz as much as I think about Crean - not very often.

Of course you don't care, Sultan. Because the things that you defended him on helped to get him moved. One example: This most recent year of coaching by him was abysmal, but you defended him  to the end. This year's performance was a huge driver. "Divorce was pretty much ineveitable"? Sad you see it that way, because there was a hell of a lot of more background than that. Oversimplification on your part. But that is ancient history to you now. Be interesting to see your analysis of Wojo.

[Texas Western]

I don't think Buzz was "done in" by anybody except a poorly constructed roster.  So yeah I think that's Buzz's fault, but I think he played it the best way he could to maximize performance.

Seriously, you honestly think playing a point guard who shot .442 from the free throw line  almost the entire game was the optimal configuration?

[keefe]

It's not a fact.  That might be your opinion...and the opinion of 99% of the people here...but it's not one shared by me.

That's correct. Anything we say is a matter of opinion. All that matters is the evaluation of his employer which is no longer Marquette University. And MU's assessment of Bert's job performance was not favorable. That is fact.

[Stretchdeltsig]

Sultan drinks too many slurpies.

[wadesworld]

Seriously, you honestly think playing a point guard who shot .442 from the free throw line  almost the entire game was the optimal configuration?

What better options were there at point guard on Marquette's roster this year? I don't know about you, but I look at more than FT percentage when I evaluate the performance of a point guard. There is a lot to fault Bert for, but not many other options at PG this year.

[Texas Western]

What better options were there at point guard on Marquette's roster this year? I don't know about you, but I look at more than FT percentage when I evaluate the performance of a point guard. There is a lot to fault Bert for, but not many other options at PG this year.

When a game is in crunch time and the other team willfully fouls our point guard as a strategy to get the ball back then that is a problem. Among other responsibilities, the Point guard should be one of the teams best free throw shooters. I would have rather seen the primary minutes go to Mayo and Dawson. obviously this is an old and tired discussion lol.

[MU82]

What better options were there at point guard on Marquette's roster this year? I don't know about you, but I look at more than FT percentage when I evaluate the performance of a point guard. There is a lot to fault Bert for, but not many other options at PG this year.

Well, technically, the lack of options at PG is 100% the head coach's fault.

Years ago, Northwestern played Ohio State in football. Northwestern's QB was a redshirt freshman named Gavin Hoffman -- apparently the best QB the great Gary Barnett could recruit. Ohio State had fifth-year senior Joe Germaine. Barnett was asked why his team lost and he candidly said it was all about the quarterback play: Ohio State's was good and Northwestern's wasn't.

Well, Barnett recruited that QB and Barnett chose to play that QB.

Several times this season, Buzz said having Derrick on the court was akin to playing 4-on-5. Who's fault was that?

I got frustrated with Derrick this season but I mostly tried very hard not to blame him. It wasn't his fault he only was as good as Derrick Wilson. It wasn't his fault that a 10-mpg defensive guard was thrust in the role of 30-mpg PG.

[wadesworld]

When a game is in crunch time and the other team willfully fouls our point guard as a strategy to get the ball back then that is a problem. Among other responsibilities, the Point guard should be one of the teams best free throw shooters. I would have rather seen the primary minutes go to Mayo and Dawson. obviously this is an old and tired discussion lol.

Name a time when the opposing team putting Wilson cost us a game this past season.  There were many problems with this team.  Derrick Wilson's free throw shooting is not why we were 17-15.  Dawson will be a good player.  He will eventually be better than Derrick.  But he was a freshman who was not ready to play consistent minutes, which is why he did not.  Mayo is the definition of an off the ball guard.  Derrick was by far the best option at point guard this past season, which is why he played there and played there a lot.  Had Duane Wilson stayed healthy would it have been the same story?  Hopefully not, because Duane is supposed to be really good.  But that is yet to be seen, and in regards to last year it is a moot point because Duane wasn't healthy.

[wadesworld]

Well, technically, the lack of options at PG is 100% the head coach's fault.

Years ago, Northwestern played Ohio State in football. Northwestern's QB was a redshirt freshman named Gavin Hoffman -- apparently the best QB the great Gary Barnett could recruit. Ohio State had fifth-year senior Joe Germaine. Barnett was asked why his team lost and he candidly said it was all about the quarterback play: Ohio State's was good and Northwestern's wasn't.

Well, Barnett recruited that QB and Barnett chose to play that QB.

Several times this season, Buzz said having Derrick on the court was akin to playing 4-on-5. Who's fault was that?

I got frustrated with Derrick this season but I mostly tried very hard not to blame him. It wasn't his fault he only was as good as Derrick Wilson. It wasn't his fault that a 10-mpg defensive guard was thrust in the role of 30-mpg PG.

Agreed.  Like Sultan said, Brent is at fault for not putting together a good enough roster to win basketball games.  But with the roster that we had, Derrick Wilson was the best option.  Texas Western asked if Sultan seriously thought playing a point guard who shot .442 from the line was the best option, and with our roster makeup last year the answer is yes.

[Tums Festival]

I can't believe we would've been worse off with Dawson playing a consistent 15 minutes a game. We'll never know. But perhaps with consistent playing time Dawson may have developed more confidence and earned additional minutes. This much is certain, giving the keys to the team to a player who's idea of an assist is to hand the ball to a teammate 40 feet from the hoop and then run away sure didn't work out very well.

[MU82]

Agreed.  Like Sultan said, Brent is at fault for not putting together a good enough roster to win basketball games.  But with the roster that we had, Derrick Wilson was the best option.  Texas Western asked if Sultan seriously thought playing a point guard who shot .442 from the line was the best option, and with our roster makeup last year the answer is yes.

I am not in Ners camp as thinking Dawson is a future star. But I also am not in the camp of those who think it was Derrick or nothing.

When something is obviously broken, you try something else. Some of the greatest coaches in NFL and NHL history occasionally changed QBs or goalies just for sake of change. The fact that Buzz refused to even try was the first clue that something was up with him. I admit that I didn't see the clue for what it was until the season was over and Buzz was in Blacksburg.

[keefe]

Some of the greatest coaches in NFL occasionally changed QBs

Ladies and Gentlemen, Coach Don Shula is proud to present, Mr. Tom Matte

[wadesworld]

I can't believe we would've been worse off with Dawson playing a consistent 15 minutes a game. We'll never know. But perhaps with consistent playing time Dawson may have developed more confidence and earned additional minutes. This much is certain, giving the keys to the team to a player who's idea of an assist is to hand the ball to a teammate 40 feet from the hoop and then run away sure didn't work out very well.

?  He averaged over 4 assists per game.  He lead the team and was tied for the 4th highest assists/game in the entire Big East.  He also had the 2nd highest assist:turnover ratio in the entire Big East.  I didn't realize we hit so many 40 footers this year!

(And beyond just assists, he was also tied for 4th in the entire Big East in steals/game.  Once again, there is more to a point guard than "shooting .442 from the free throw line," and while Derrick struggled to score and should not have been forced to play 31 minutes/game - that's on Buzz for not recruiting better - he was definitely the best option to play point guard consistently and it wasn't even close - sure, for a minute or 2 at a time Dawson could look like a better player, but over the entire course of the game Derrick was a much better overall point guard.)

[keefe]

The best news is Marquette has a great PG next season. I am looking forward to seeing Wilson run the team with Wilson relieving him from time to time.

[kmwtrucks]

How many games did you watch where Derrick won the game for us (being one of the top 2 players)?  Either with his O or D or passing?  I can think of 1 or 2.  Dawson won us one game and played about 10% of the minutes of Derrick in these situations. 

Over the last 6 games, All close games we went 2-4.  If Dawson gets 20 minutes per game and derrick 20 you feel like we would have been worse then 2-4?

Depaul: Billy Garret and brandon young went for 55 points.  Derrick had 3 points and 3 assists. Mayo won the game for us.
Gtown: Starks and Riveria went for 43 points DW had 3 points and 3 assists.  Gardner and Jake won game for us.
Vill: Hillard and Ardianao went for 34 and DW had 2 points and 3 assists
Prov: Fortune and Cotton went for 40 and DW 1 point 3 assists
St john:Jordan and harrison went for 40 and DW went 1 point 9 assists
X:Christian and Martin went for 37 and DW 2 points and 5 assists,

The 2 games we won Derrick was not a factor and the guards on the other teams killed us.  in the 4 games we lost.  3 very close Derrick did nothing to help us win.  He did not slow the other guard down and his best game was 1 point and 9 assists in 47 mins? 

Also is assists are not the kind that get super quality shots for his teammates because he is not a very creative passer.

He does not turn the ball over very much that is really the only (the only stat where is AVG) but as a team we did so some of that falls on the PG for not getting people the ball in the right spots.

I'm of the opinion we would have not ended up any worse with Dawson getting 1/2 the time and very well would have ended up better.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

The best news is Marquette has a great PG next season. I am looking forward to seeing Wilson run the team with Wilson relieving him from time to time.

I see what you did there.

Also love that even in the offseason, we can trace anything back to Derrick vs. Dawson

[Dawson Rental]

Time to retitle this thread to Derrick Wilson, Part 57

Thread hijack credits to Willie Warrior and Wojo'sMojo who apparently couldn't let a Sultan post go by without attacking by bringing up past stuff.

Ever heard that thing about glass houses, Willie?